1 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

Veterinary Services (VS) 

Questions and Answers Regarding Bovines in Transit from Canada to Mexico 

1. At what port of entry may shipments enter the United States? 

The ruminants must be presented to the VS Port Veterinarian at a Canada border port of entry 

that is designated for the import of ruminants. The list can be found at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/live_animals.shtml. 

2. What forms must the Port Veterinarian at the Canadian border fill out for Canadian bovines 

in transit to Mexico? 

The Port Veterinarian will issue a VS Form 17-30 (Report of Animals, Poultry or Eggs 

offered for Importation) and a VS 1-27 (Permit for Movement of Restricted Animals). The 

time the vehicle was released will be recorded on the VS Forms 17-30, 1-27, and, if 

necessary, the addendum for rest stops. 

3. Is the official Canadian health certificate needed for entry into the United States for a transit 

shipment? 

Yes. An official Canadian health certificate for the export of ruminants to Mexico is 

required. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) transit import permit is also required. 

4. Are the shipments sealed? 

Yes. The VS Port Veterinarian will place official USDA seals on the truck if Canadian Food 

Inspection Agency seals are not present or if they have been removed by USDA. All seal 

numbers will be recorded at the port of entry on the VS Forms 1-27 and 17-30, and if 

necessary the addendum for rest stops. 

If the truck arrives at the Canadian border with broken, missing, or incorrect seals, the 

shipment will be refused entry. 

5. Should the importer include the location of the feed, water, and rest (FWR) stop on the 

transit import permit? 

Yes, the shipper/exporter/importer must list the FWR stop on the application for a transit 

import permit. The application must also include the route of transit, the number of drivers, 

and the estimated travel time. Livestock in transit for more than 28 hours must have a FWR 

stop at an approved facility. The permit application can be found at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/live_animals.shtml. 
2 

6. How does the shipper/exporter/importer arrange for an FWR stop? 

Prior to applying for a transit permit, the exporter must contact the accredited veterinarian 

responsible for the APHIS-approved FWR stop and make a reservation for the shipment. 

The accredited veterinarian will notify the Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC), preferably 

via e-mail. The AVIC will notify the National Center for Import and Export (NCIE) that the 

shipper has reservations at the FWR stop. 

7. What does the shipper/exporter/importer do if there is no approved FRW stop in the State 

where it is needed en route? 

The shipper will find a facility suitable for a FWR stop and make arrangements with the 

AVIC to have the facility inspected. 

8. Are additional forms needed to verify that the shipments were at an approved FWR stop? 

Yes. The accredited veterinarian will issue an “Addendum for Rest Stops for Export of 

Bovines from the United States and Canada to Mexico.” Copies of this form are located at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/live_animals.shtml. This form is to be attached 

to the Canadian health certificate. 

9. How are transit shipments monitored at the FWR stop? 

The approved FWR facility’s accredited veterinarian will break the seals upon arrival at the 

facility, monitor the animals during the rest period, and reseal the shipment. The seals at 

removal will be listed on the VS 1-27, VS 17-30, and the addendum for rest stops. When the 

shipment is resealed, the new seal numbers will be recorded on the original VS 1-27, VS 17-

30, and the addendum for rest stops by the accredited veterinarian. An additional VS 1-27 

may be issued and attached to the original VS 1-27. 

10. Who needs copies of the transit import permit? 

The shipper is responsible for providing copies of the USDA transit import permit to the VS 

Port Veterinarian at the port of entry (Canadian border), the VS Port Veterinarian at the port 

of exit (Mexican border), the Area Veterinarian in Charge covering the FWR station (if 

applicable), and the driver BEFORE the shipment arrives at the Canadian port of entry. 

 

11. Does the shipper need a transit import permit for each truckload? 

Yes. Each truck must have its own original USDA transit import permit, even if several 

trucks are part of one shipment. 

12. Who breaks the seals at the U.S.-Mexican border? 

VS personnel will verify that the official seals are intact and monitor the export of the 

shipment to Mexico. 
3 

13. What happens if the Canadian cattle are refused entry into Mexico? 

There are three options for Canadian cattle that are refused entry into Mexico: 

• If there is a Canadian health certificate for entry into the United States, the animals may 

be processed for entry into the United States by the Port Veterinarian at the 

U.S.-Mexican border. A VS Form 17-30 would be issued for this release. OR 

• The shipment is returned to Canada; OR 

• The animals are destroyed. 

14. Does VS charge for transit shipments? 

• The standard hourly rate will apply at the FWR stops and at the U.S.-Mexican border. 

• A user fee is charged at the Canadian port of entry. 

• A user fee is charged for a transit import permit. 

For additional information, contact NCIE at 301-734-8364.